The THE ROLE OF SUPPLEMENTATION AND HYDRATION IN THE RECOVERY OF SOCCER ATHLETES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
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This study aimed to identify and analyze supplementation and hydration-based interventions that contribute to accelerated recovery in injured adult male soccer players. This study addresses the gap in the literature regarding a comprehensive nutrition and hydration approach during the recovery phase after a training session or injury. Methods: This study used a systematic review approach based on the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was conducted from 2015 to 2025 through the PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the Publish or Perish application with the keywords “soccer” AND “recovery” AND “nutrition”. The articles were selected based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria and analyzed through thematic narrative synthesis. Results: Of the total 245 papers collected, 11 studies met all criteria and were further analyzed. It can be concluded that the results indicate that whey protein supplementation, omega-3, and electrolyte hydration strategies and individual hydration plans significantly accelerate recovery. Limitations: The inhomogeneity of design and variables between studies limited the feasibility of quantitative meta-analysis, so the analysis was conducted narratively. In addition, most studies have not included a longitudinal integrated approach.
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